Thursday, 18 September 2014

PARKROYAL on Pickering, A Green Hotel, Singapore

PARKROYAL on Pickering, A Green Hotel, Singapore

PARKROYAL on Pickering, A Green Hotel in Singapore

Dubbed a “hotel-in-a-garden,” PARKROYAL on Pickering is
easily identified as we approach by the lush tropical foliage that sprouts from
its walls, and its distinctive contoured edges. As we draw nearer it seems the
structure is almost an extension of the neighbouring Hong Lim Park enticing its
green all the way into and up the sides of the building. Getting closer, a
flurry of lemony butterflies flit about the bordering bushes, which both
excites and calms us at the same time. Are we really in the middle of
Singapore?

PARKROYAL on Pickering, A Green Hotel, Singapore

Environment

Balconies on the exterior of the building, filled with
native greenery, gift every guest with a garden view. This is no feat to be
taken lightly. Apparently these additional terraces are more than double the
size of the original site. This clever architecture makes us hopeful for a
brighter, cleaner future.

Hallways Leading to Rooms

The artificial landscape mimics the natural, with curvaceous
rock layers winding around the sides of the building and continuing into the
lobby. The organic theme carries through to the interiors with water features,
hanging vegetation and silvery-grey boulders. An abundance of glass allows in
natural light and, wall mirrors reflect it making the most of this oft untapped
resource.

Entry to the Bathrooms

As you’ve probably already guessed, PARKROYAL on Pickering
is a much more energy efficient hotel than most. Water collected from the
rooftop and recycled water from the hotel are used for the gardens. Roof solar
panels produce sufficient power to run grow lamps and landscape lighting for
the skygardens. Design, as aforementioned, too promotes less need for energy
for illumination and cooling. Awarded Singapore’s Green Mark Platinum, the
country’s most notable environmental certification, our sustainability
consciences are eased.

Nest with Daybed

Lobby

Location

Only 20 minutes drive from the airport and, five minutes
walk to the CBD, Waterfront, Clarke Quay, Boat Quay and Chinatown, PARKROYAL on
Pickering is well situated for both business and pleasure. We’re here for
pleasure though and so are excited to be close to Ann Siang Hill and Club
Street, which we explore for the first time on this trip. This quirky area
boasts charmingly restored shophouses composing a wonderland of eateries,
antique stores, vintage clothing boutiques and a number of bars that we can’t
wait to explore.

Hong Lim Park

Rooms

All 367 rooms and suites come with the choice of king-sized
or twin beds, bathrobes, hairdryer, safe, complimentary Internet, cable TV,
min-bar and, tea and coffee making facilities. However many special necessities
can also be provided with a quick request to the operator.

Desk and Lounge Area

Regular readers know by now that we always request a club
room. Paying a few extra dollars, or upgrading with loyalty points usually
rewards us with breakfast, beverages throughout the day, evening cocktails and
a quiet place to work. We’re too fussy for the crowds so this little piece of
exclusivity is much appreciated.

Bathtub

So as predicted, we’re staying in a club room at PARKROYAL
on Pickering. Our Orchid Club Deluxe King is a compact but well designed 30sqm.
Pale furnishings and tall mirrors add light and a sense of spaciousness to the small
area. Hong Lim Park and Chinatown are viewed by oversized windows and, the
hotel’s gardens offer a leafy frame.

Club Room

Light Bright Rooms

A Nespresso coffee machine, executive bar and bathtub,
provide additional comforts in this category. The mini-bar furnishes
complementary chocolates and non-alcoholic beverages and is refilled daily.
Elemis bath products too are a nice treat leaving our skin and hair feeling as
though we’ve just left the spa. We admire the earth friendly practices evident
in the room such as a recycling bin, house glass bottled water, and water
efficient taps in the shower and sink.

Mini-Bar - Chocolates and Non-Alcoholic Beverages Included in Room Rate

Divide Your Waste with Recycling Bins

Natura Water - Bottled by the Hotel

Elemis Bath Products

The use of space is impressive, but our attentions are soon
abducted by the sight out the window. Dragonflies! A whole family of them are
zooming around the tops of the trees. Butterflies below, dragonflies above! It
truly is a natural wonderland in the heart of the big smoke.

Club Lounge

Rooftop Orchid Club Lounge and terraces goes a little beyond
expectations for club services. Besides the regular provisions, it adds in a
little Champers for breakfast and the rooftop location with 360-degree views of
the Singapore skyline is nothing to be sneezed at. It’s here we take our daily
breakfast but also a bite of afternoon tea and some evening cocktails. The
spread is by no means stingy. In fact, if you’re a light eater you might not
need anything else other than what’s provided here throughout the day.

Club Lounge

Food and Beverage

PARKROYAL on Pickering’s all day dining outlet, Lime, has
steadily built a reputation as serving one of the best Sunday Champagne
brunches in the city. A long lofty dining hall is set amongst greenery and
water features, giving the ambience a fresh garden feel. The selection of food
is a mix of local and international, and some of the finest quality we’ve
encountered in a buffet. Check
out in detail the offerings and our personal recommendations via this link.

Lime - All Day Dining Restaurant

Tables at Lime

Bar at Lobby Level

Facilities

A 300 metre garden walk makes a great warm up prior to a
workout in the state-of-the-art gymnasium. That’s generally one thing you can
be assured of in a business hotel - a well functioning gym. A steam room and
Jacuzzi are additional features, but in Singapore’s warm weather, a dip in the
infinity pool is possibly more enticing. Birdcage pavilions make a cozy place
to roost and some even drop out over the edge giving new meaning to the word
nest. We didn’t try out St. Gregory spa but the menu is compact covering the
bases with a variety of massages and facials.

Gymnasium

Pool

Fifth Floor Recreation Area

PARKROYAL on Pickering is a sound choice for a stay in
Singapore. With garden surrounds, light bright rooms, and earth-friendly
practices, it’s literally a breath of fresh air.

Reasons to visit:
lush green surrounds; Sunday brunch; convenient location; great club lounge;
feel good staying in a hotel that makes a sound attempt at being earth
friendly.